Obituary of Micheal Ryan Durkin

Micheal Ryan Durkin, age 35, sadly passed away on Sunday, May 26, 2024. Born as one of the twins to Marybeth Sebestyen and James Durkin on March 13, 1989 at Yale New Haven Hospital, Micheal was a lifelong resident of Shelton, Connecticut. 

To know him was to love him, and from the moment he would meet you, he would make sure that by the time he was done speaking and laughing with you, he had won over your heart and respect. He never would let you leave without giving a hug, a fist bump or telling you "Good Job", "Thanks Boss!", “It is what it is”, “Say less” and would never hang up the phone without saying “Love you”. Nothing in life meant more than his children and making people happy. Micheal was someone who made an impact on everyone he met. He had the biggest heart in the whole wide world and would give you the shirt off his back, which many of us have witnessed. Micheal Ryan’s ability to always see the good in people and find the best in every situation we hope inspires more people to do the same. #beamichealdurkin

With his love of culinary arts, Micheal was able to grow and share with everyone his passion for cooking the best food ever and made one hell of a cheesecake. He was the proud Head Chef at Stormy's in Shelton. You would always see Micheal on the floor at Stormy's, checking on patrons while eating their meals to make sure everything was delicious or just to introduce himself and ensure everyone was having a great time. Micheal also worked as one of the original head grill cooks for Crispy Melty. Most notoriously, he was the grill cook at the Crispy Melty stand at the Bridgeport Amphitheater. Whether it was a lobster dinner on Christmas Eve for his family or a perfectly grilled crispy melty grilled cheese, he was always strived for perfection and cooked with love and with a smile on his face.

Micheal is survived by his cherished mother Marybeth Sebestyen of Norwalk and predeceased by his father James Durkin of Easton. While fathers play an important role in their sons ' lives, the bond between mother and son is just special. A mother is the first person who really understands and knows everything about her son. Micheal was one of the greatest joys of her life and will always be her heart and soul. For every smile, for every tear, for all the moments, years after years, in the good and bad she will forever be grateful for the son you were and will always be her, shining light and guiding star. Micheals is also survived by Marybeth’s partner Wayne Pistey.

Micheal leaves us all behind 4 beautiful children that he loved more than anything in the world with his life partner Becca Begnoche- Josh his 1# guy, Ryann his favorite little pain in the butt, best friend, and his top gaming buddy. Harlee his one and only daughter that will forever be his little princess and Cole his undeniable mini-me, all of Naugatuck. Micheal’s memory will live on forever through their beautiful blue eyes, kind hearts and smiles.

Micheal is also survived by 3 siblings that from the beginning were more than just siblings we were all the best of friends. “Sisters and brothers just happen, we don’t get to choose them, but they become one of our most cherished relationships”. We shared parents, homes, pets, celebrations and tragedies.  We know each other’s hearts. We’ve shared private family jokes. We remember family feuds, secrets, family griefs and joys. We will tease each other, knock down each other, irritate each other, but to live without one of us is our worst nightmare. The greatest gift our parents gave us was each other.

His adored sister Kristie Sebestyen of Monroe CT that at times would drive him crazy like any older sister would but loved him more then life itself. Sometimes sisters and brothers can fight like cats and dogs but there is no other love like the love for a brother and there was no other love like the love Kristie had for her baby brother Micheal Ryan.  Kristie and Micheal’s bond of brother and sister was like no other. Also survived by Micheal is Kristie and Justin Keeney’s (Micheal’s forever brother In-law) daughter Linzee Keeney AKA his “Angel Baby. Also survived by Kristie partner Kenneth Jacob and his two beautiful daughters Julia and Emma.

His older brother, Jimmy Durkin, of Easton, whom Micheal enjoyed being with all the time, from playing video games to going to the theaters to watch movies with some pocket cheeseburgers. From childhood memories to adulthood adventures, I am grateful for every moment with you. I love you, brother- Along with Jimmy, he is survived by his Fiancé, Jeannine Marin and their gorgeous little twin daughters, Everly and Auora. 

Last but not least, Micheal Ryan’s twin brother, Matthew Durkin, of Shelton. The bond between twins is unmatchable, a unique connection forged even before birth. They share an unspoken understanding of each other's feelings and thoughts. From their earliest moments, they were each other's constant companions, confidants, and unwavering support. The love between twins is a profound, irreplaceable bond that transcends words and time. Along with Matthew, he's survived by his wife, Jennifer Durkin, and their cute-as-a-button daughter, Lucy, and Matthew's passionate and astounding son, Austin Durkin.

Micheal is also survived by this cherished and devoted grandmother, Helen Durkin of Easton. Micheal and his grandmother where the best of friends. There was never a day that went by that they did not talk to each other, no matter the time of day. Gram called Micheal when he got to work every day and stayed up every night to make sure he was home safe. No matter where Gram was, whether a store or Dunkin Donuts, she always made sure she brought something for her Micheal Ryan. Micheal was her world.

Micheal is also survived his beloved Aunts, Uncles and Cousins- Sal and Kim Becchetti (Durkin) of Trumbull, Kathy and David Lay and their daughter Stephanie of Tulsa, OK. Keith and his wife Joan and Keith Jr and Ryan, Kevin Marron, Beverly Marron and her daughter Madison all from Norwalk, CT , God Sister Joanna Durkin, Jillian Durkin and Jeanne Durkin of Shelton, CT.

Micheal is also survived by an abundance of friends that are more like family. 

Calling hours will be held on Sunday, June 2, 2024 from 2:00-6:00 p.m. in the Lesko Funeral Home, 1209 Post Road, in Fairfield Center. Funeral services will take place on Monday, June 3, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home. Entombment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Trumbull.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Micheal Durkin’s Children’s Education Fund, checks made out to Kim Becchetti, P.O. Box 542, Stratford, CT 06614.